Senior living community to celebrate organization’s 30th anniversary

The senior living community Sunrise of Playa Vista will celebrate Sunrise Senior Living’s 30th anniversary during a ceremony at the Playa Vista facility Saturday, Dec. 3.

The event, which will include cocktails, entertainment and dancing, will be attended by over 90 residents, their families, friends and other invited guests.

The Sunrise Senior Living organization was founded in 1981 by Paul and Terry Klaassen, who renovated an old nursing home in Oakton, Va. The Klaassens created a homelike environment with a unique approach to care that would become the foundation of Sunrise: the resident-centered philosophy, a Sunrise spokesperson said.

Over the past 30 years, Sunrise has served hundreds of thousands of seniors and expanded to more than 300 senior living communities across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, the company spokesperson said.

“Our team members, residents and their families are excited to celebrate Sunrise’s 30th anniversary,” said Sean Taghizadeh, executive director of Sunrise of Playa Vista. “We are committed to providing care for residents with dignity and respect as well as preserving their freedom of choice.”

Sunrise aims to offer a personalized approach for residents beginning with understanding the preferences of seniors who need assistance with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. An individualized service plan is developed for each resident, who is cared for by a team of designated care managers.

In addition to assisted living, most Sunrise communities also have Reminiscence Neighborhoods, designed especially for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive impairment, as well as independent living for seniors who wish to enjoy an active, maintenance-free lifestyle.